The thrills, shocks and many brilliant moments of the World Cup in pictures

The Women’s World Cup has offered thrills, shocks and brilliant individual moments during the biggest competition in its 32-year history.

The tournament, which began on July 20, has seen 32 nations compete in Australia and New Zealand, with many writing their names into women’s football folklore.

Only two teams remain as either England or Spain will lift the World Cup for the first time in Sydney on Sunday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the pictures which have captured the essence of the World Cup.

Australia opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium

Georgia Stanway

England’s Chloe Kelly stopped for photos with fans after a training session at Central Coast Stadium

Canada v Republic of Ireland – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Group B – Perth Rectangular Stadium

Australia fans were put through a range of emotions while watching a screening of the 3-2 Group B defeat to Nigeria

England’s Lauren James scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Denmark

However, the result was overshadowed by Keira Walsh picking up an injury

Vera Pauw

China fans gathered ahead of the Group D match against England at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide

James (centre left) inspired England to a 6-1 win

Republic of Ireland fans gathered in Dublin to welcome their team home

England were handed a boost when Walsh returned to training ahead of the knockout rounds

England fans gathered at Brisbane Stadium for the last-16 clash with Nigeria

The Lionesses rode their luck during a tense encounter

James was sent off for standing on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie

England v Nigeria – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Round of 16 – Brisbane Stadium

Back home, many England fans gathered in pubs to watch the quarter-final against Colombia

The Lionesses found themselves trailing to Leicy Santos

Lauren Hemp levelled the scores

Before Alessia Russo grabbed the winner to send England to their third consecutive World Cup semi-final

Australia captured the nation

But their run was ended by England, as Hemp inspired a 3-1 win to take the Lionesses to a first World Cup final

Spain await in the final after they beat Sweden in the last four